One Tank Trip for New York Camping

When it comes to New York, our thoughts automatically run towards Manhattan. After all, it gets all the good publicity: Sinatra’s sung about the city that never sleeps, where no matter where we look and see the words “New York,” they’re accompanied by steel and glass monoliths, and bright lights that make midnight seem like noontime. However, there’s a different side of this state; one that’s less about the “New York minute” and more about slowing down long enough to smell the roses and actually savor the moment. New York is a great quick weekend getaway. You might want to stop along these locations & attractions on your one tank trips journey.

Lake George is such a serene place that it seems like a world away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, even though they’re only separated by relatively few miles. Nestled at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains, this region is home to more than 20 lakes, is rich with history, and is only a short drive to the beach. In the wintertime, this is the place to be if you’re looking to get in some cross-country skiing, and it’s quite famous for being a great spot for ice fishing. In the more temperate months, the area’s many lakes and streams provide ample opportunities for boating, kayaking, and fishing.

Cruise down the southbound I-87 for close to 20 miles, and before you know it you’ll find yourself in Saratoga Springs. This is a tourist destination whose popularity is growing rapidly. More and more people are discovering the fun and excitement offered by the Saratoga Race Course, which is the oldest Thoroughbred racetrack in the United States and offers some of the best horse racing on the East Coast, while the various casinos in the area have been attracting larger numbers each year. Saratoga Springs also has a thriving “spa culture,” as evidenced by a large number of these facilities for rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul. One can enjoy a day of golf at any of the local golf courses, followed by an evening listening to live music at the Performing Arts Center.

A little less than thirty miles south of Saratoga Springs, the I-87 leads you into New York’s state capitol of Albany. With so many activities to keep you entertained, some of the highlights that should not be missed include the USS Slater, a WWII-era destroyer escort assigned to defend American convoys from German U-boats and Japanese subs. The Slater is the last such vessel afloat today, and is available for tours between April and November. Other spots of interest include the New York State Museum, which features exhibits that tell the story of New York’s origins and development into the perfect example of an urban metropolis. You may also enjoy delving into the primordial underground at Howe Caverns, where you’ll see an environment that’s taken over six million years to create. This fascinating site can be toured either by walking along the trail or by cruising on the surface of an underground river. Either way, you’re bound to see something you’ll never forget.

Continue south on the I-87 for 51 miles, before merging with the southbound US-209, which takes you the rest of the way – about 27 miles – to Ellenville. This area is rich with campsites to experience New York camping at its finest, and has no shortage of creeks, rivers and streams for fishing or for drifting along on an inner tube. The site of the most famous live music event in history – Woodstock – is just a hop and skip from Ellenville, so for those of you not quite old enough to have enjoyed it (or for those who want to return to the scene of the good old days), Ellenville makes a good jumping off point to check it out and see where history was made.

Head west on Highway 52 for about 20 miles and you’ll find yourself at your final stop of Newburgh. This area has some of the most beautiful scenery in all of New York, and you’ll want to spend some time here enjoying nature’s handiwork. Whether you’re looking for water-based activities or maybe it’s a hike through the forest that appeals to you, Newburgh can fix you up. If you want to experience a site that’s brimming with military history, take a short drive south into Highland Falls and tour the West Point Military Academy, which has produced the finest officers to be found anywhere since 1802.

Rife with history, rich with beauty. New York is so much more than it seems at first glance.

This article was only one of many other exciting one tank trips also found in Woodall's 2010 North American Campground Directory. Enjoy an eventful weekend getaway of New York camping and experience it all on just one tank of gas.